Seminar points to sustainability as minimum standard for hotel industry

He pointed out that people in Bangkok generated 1.5 kilograms of waste per person per day, and two-thirds of that waste comes from foods and beverages.

“We are in an industry that produces significant amounts of food and beverage,” he said, “So if we don’t take immediate action, there is an issue.”

Mondal said the majority of young people believe the world will be doomed in 2030. One out of 10 people think they will not have children because they think civilization as we know it will end.

However, he does not believe young people’s concerns will come true if everyone joins the journey to sustainability.

“78% of guests prefer to stay in hotels that practice sustainability,” he said, “Hence, sustainability is going to be the minimum standard for the hotel and hospitality sectors.”

To mark steps toward sustainability, Mondal said Amari Bangkok Hotel is encouraging guests to reuse their towels and sourcing items from local farmers.

“We are working with the World Wildlife Fund and Unesco to support cultural sustainability, food wastage and local talents,” he said.

He also expects more hotels to come up with vertical gardens for cultivating organic crops in a bid to achieve zero energy consumption.

Mondal emphasised that partnership is important as it is included among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) drawn up by the United Nations.

“You need to have partnerships with the right non-profit organisations because they can show you the path to make the world a better place," he said.

He also advised business entrepreneurs to choose one of the 17 SDGs and do their best to meet it. “You cannot change the world by yourself, but you can make it better by just practising sustainability with at least one goal,” he added.